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Verdi via Satellite

On Saturday October 17 at 6pm the Metropolitan Opera streams the latest production in its global season of live satellite opera transmissions with Verdi’s taut and powerful 'Otello'.

Audiences in ODEON Belfast and the Dundonald, Derry and Craigavon Omniplex Cinemas will have the opportunity to experience the performance broadcast live by satellite from the stage of the Met in New York.

Often cited as Italian opera’s greatest tragedy, Verdi’s 'Otello' is inspired by Shakespeare’s play and matches it in tragic intensity. This dramatic new production is one of five opera productions being premiered by the Met in the coming months.

Tony Award-winning director Bartlett Sher updates the opera’s setting from the late 15th to the late 19th century, where the action unfolds in a shape-shifting glass palace.

This 'Otello' was chosen for the September opening night of the Met’s new 2015 – 2016 season, and has been applauded for its 'magnificent staging' (New York Times); 'compelling and sensitive reading of Verdi's score' (Washington Post) and 'magnificence worthy of the Met' (Financial Times).

Winning particular praise for her portrayal of Desdemona, Otello’s innocent wife and victim, is rising opera superstar Sonya Yoncheva. No stranger to the Metropolitan Opera, Yoncheva was first seen in a major role on the Met stage in November last year when she stepped in at the last minute as Mimi in Puccini’s 'La Bohéme'.

Only five weeks after giving birth to her first child, she was 'a last minute sensation' according to the New York Times. Now making her role début as Desdemona, her performance has been described as 'dazzling' by The Guardian and she seems poised for a major career.

Joining her in this production will be an outstanding cast led by Aleksandrs Antonenko in the title role, and Željko Lučić as Iago. Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts.

'Otello' streams live from the Metropolitan Opera to Northern Ireland venues from 6pm this Saturday, October 17. For further booking information and booking visit www.classicalartsireland.com/tickets.

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